Description
This Easy Cheesy Meatball & Rice Dinner Casserole is your new go-to for a cozy, quick dinner idea. Perfect for busy weeknights or hearty weekend meals, it blends juicy meatballs, fluffy rice, rich marinara, and melty cheese into one comforting bake. Great as an easy recipe for dinner ideas, a family-friendly meal, or a no-fuss food idea that’s freezer-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1.5 cups marinara sauce
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
18 cooked meatballs
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread rice evenly in the dish. Pour in broth and marinara sauce.
3. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange cooked meatballs on top of the rice mixture.
5. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove foil and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
7. Return to oven, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes and garnish with chopped parsley.
9. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Use fully cooked meatballs to save time and ensure food safety.
Check rice doneness before serving; add a splash of broth if needed.
Add diced veggies like bell pepper or zucchini to the rice for extra nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of dish)
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: meatball rice casserole, easy dinner, cheesy bake, weeknight meal